Project objectives
The SF-Demo project aims to design, develop, manufacture and qualify a large-scale demonstrator of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets.
The aim is to validate this technology for industrial applications, notably in compact fusion power plants, by overcoming current technological challenges and reaching a level of technological maturity (TRL 4).
Scientific background
High-temperature superconductors (HTS) are opening up exciting new prospects in fields as diverse as energy, healthcare and fundamental research. Unlike current technologies, SHTs enable powerful magnetic fields to be produced while operating at temperatures that are easier to maintain, thus reducing costs and technical constraints.
The project is distinguished by its ambition to push back technological limits, by creating magnets capable of meeting the extreme needs of fusion power plants, as well as medical equipment and particle gas pedals.
SF-Demo is positioned as a bridge between fundamental research and industrial applications, tackling challenges such as the management of high mechanical stress, the production of reliable conductors and the industrialization of these cutting-edge technologies. This scientific context shows the crucial importance of a demonstrator to validate these innovations and pave the way for a new technological era.
Scientific and technological challenges
Large-scale HTS magnet demonstration
Validate the feasibility of magnets >20 T with stored energy ~100 MJ.
Controlling mechanical and thermal stress
Ensure the robustness of magnets in the harsh conditions of future fusion machines.
Development of key technologies
Produce HTS conductors, seals and protection systems for large magnets.
Transition to industrialization
Set up the infrastructure and methods for manufacturing and testing prototypes and a final demonstrator at the CEA.
Partners involved
This project is being carried out in collaboration with several laboratories and research centers
CEA
Project manager, expertise in the design, manufacture and testing of large superconducting magnets.
CNRS (Neel, LNCMI)
Expertise in HTS coil development.
CentraleSupélec
Expertise in mechanical modeling and simulation of AC losses and screen currents. Analysis of HTS conductors for superconducting magnet prototypes.
Project challenges
Managing Lorentz forces and stored energies
Ensuring magnet stability under high mechanical and energetic stress.
Development of reliable HTS conductors and connections
Produce long conductor lengths and robust joints.
Protection against quenching
Implement detection and protection systems to prevent damage when superconductivity is lost.
Methodology and approach
01
Design and development plan
Risk analysis, design and evaluation of demonstrator options.
02
R&D and prototyping
Development of technological building blocks, medium-scale prototyping and infrastructure implementation.
03
Manufacturing and testing
Manufacture of the final demonstrator and tests at cryogenic temperature in CEA's MATTRICS infrastructure.